Diagnosing oral diseases at an early stage may lead to better preventive treatments, thus reducing treatment burden and costs. This paper introduces a systematic design of a microfluidic compact disc ...(CD) consisting of six unique chambers that run simultaneously from sample loading, holding, mixing and analysis. In this study, the electrochemical property changes between real saliva and artificial saliva mixed with three different types of mouthwashes (i.e. chlorhexidine-, fluoride- and essential oil (Listerine)-based mouthwashes) were investigated using electrical impedance analysis. Given the diversity and complexity of patient's salivary samples, we investigated the electrochemical impedance property of healthy real saliva mixed with different types of mouthwashes to understand the different electrochemical property which could be a foundation for diagnosis and monitoring of oral diseases. On the other hand, electrochemical impedance property of artificial saliva, a commonly used moisturizing agent and lubricant for the treatment of xerostomia or dry mouth syndrome was also studied. The findings indicate that artificial saliva and fluoride-based mouthwash showed higher conductance values compared to real saliva and two other different types of mouthwashes. The ability of our new microfluidic CD platform to perform multiplex processes and detection of electrochemical property of different types of saliva and mouthwashes is a fundamental concept for future research on salivary theranostics using point-of-care microfluidic CD platform.
The aim of this study was to tackle the topic of appropriate recommendations for artificial-saliva and mouthwash usage. The contact angle, pH, and conductivity of two artificial saliva solutions, ...four mouthwashes, and their mixtures on enamel, glass-ionomer, and composite dental materials were measured. The measurements were conducted with a MATLAB algorithm to minimize human error. The obtained values for the contact angle were in the range from 7.98° to 52.6°, and they showed completely nonlinear and nonuniform behavior for all investigated liquids and on all investigated substrates. Results reveal statistically significant differences among all tested liquids on all investigated substrates (p < 0.05). pH values ranged from 1.54 to 7.01. A wide range of conductivity values were observed, from 1205µS/cm in the saliva-stimulating solution to 6679 mS/cm in the artificial saliva. Spearman’s test showed a moderate positive correlation between the pH and conductivity of the tested fluids (R = 0.7108). A comparison of the data obtained using Image J software and the MATLAB algorithm showed consistency, not exceeding 5% error. When an experiment uses human material and bioactive materials THAT are used in biomedicine as substrates, an additional definition of protocols is highly recommended for future research on this topic.
Dental floss is an oral hygiene product used to remove food and plaque in places where toothbrushes cannot reach. Even though over the years since its introduction some research in suitable materials ...has been performed, thread cracking and wear can still compromise efficiency. The aim of this study was to examine the morphological properties of four different commercially available dental floss types before and after use. For that purpose, scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy were used to assess the flosses before and after use, and tension testing was performed to determine any degradation in the floss performance after utilization. The analyzed floss samples verify the hypothesis that the properties of the floss need to be known in depth, before recommending a specific type to patients for daily use in all clinical indications.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by selective, early degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons have long ...axonal projections, which rely on the integrity of neuronal cytoskeleton and mitochondria to regulate energy requirements for maintaining axonal stability, anterograde and retrograde transport, and signaling between neurons. The formation of protein aggregates which contain cytoskeletal proteins, and mitochondrial dysfunction both have devastating effects on the function of neurons and are shared pathological features across several neurodegenerative conditions, including ALS, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly clear that cytoskeletal integrity and mitochondrial function are intricately linked. Therefore, dysregulations of the cytoskeletal network and mitochondrial homeostasis and localization, may be common pathways in the initial steps of neurodegeneration. Here we review and discuss known contributors, including variants in genetic loci and aberrant protein activities, which modify cytoskeletal integrity, axonal transport and mitochondrial localization in ALS and have overlapping features with other neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we explore some emerging pathways that may contribute to this disruption in ALS.
Covarine, copper phthalocyanine, a novel tooth whitening ingredient, has been incorporated into various toothpaste formulations using diverse technologies such as larger flakes, two-phase pastes, and ...microbeads. In this study, we investigated the behavior of covarine microbeads (200 μm) in Colgate advanced white toothpaste when mixed with artificial and real saliva. Our analysis utilized a custom-designed microfluidic mixer with 400 μm wide channels arranged in serpentine patterns, featuring a Y-shaped design for saliva and toothpaste flow. The mixer, fabricated using stereolithography 3D printing technology, incorporated a flexible transparent resin (Formlabs’ Flexible 80A resin) and PMMA layers. COMSOL simulations were performed by utilizing parameters extracted from toothpaste and saliva datasheets, supplemented by laboratory measurements, to enhance simulation accuracy. Experimental assessments encompassing the behavior of covarine particles were conducted using an optical profilometer. Viscosity tests and electrical impedance spectroscopy employing recently developed all-carbon electrodes were employed to analyze different toothpaste dilutions. The integration of experimental data from microfluidic chips with computational simulations offers thorough insights into the interactions of covarine particles with saliva and the formation of microfilms on enamel surfaces.
BACKGROUND This study explored the integration of conductive threads into a microfluidic compact disc (CD), developed using the xurographic method, for a potential sweat biosensing platform. MATERIAL ...AND METHODS The microfluidic CD platform, fabricated using the xurographic method with PVC films, included venting channels and conductive threads linked to copper electrodes. With distinct microfluidic sets for load and metering, flow control, and measurement, the CD's operation involved spinning for sequential liquid movement. Impedance analysis using HIOKI IM3590 was conducted for saline and artificial sweat solutions on 4 identical CDs, ensuring reliable conductivity and measurements over a 1 kHz to 200 kHz frequency range. RESULTS Significant differences in |Z| values were observed between saline and artificial sweat treatments. 27.5 μL of saline differed significantly from 27.5 μL of artificial sweat, 72.5 μL of saline from 72.5 μL of artificial sweat, and 192.5 μL of saline from 192.5 μL of sweat. Significant disparities in |Z| values were observed between dry fibers and Groups 2, 3, and 4 (varying saline amounts). No significant differences emerged between dry fibers and Groups 6, 7, and 8 (distinct artificial sweat amounts). These findings underscore variations in fiber characteristics between equivalent exposures, emphasizing the nuanced response of the microfluidic CD platform to different liquid compositions. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the potential of integrating conductive threads in a microfluidic CD platform for sweat sensing. Challenges in volume control and thread coating degradation must be addressed for transformative biosensing devices in personalized healthcare.BACKGROUND This study explored the integration of conductive threads into a microfluidic compact disc (CD), developed using the xurographic method, for a potential sweat biosensing platform. MATERIAL AND METHODS The microfluidic CD platform, fabricated using the xurographic method with PVC films, included venting channels and conductive threads linked to copper electrodes. With distinct microfluidic sets for load and metering, flow control, and measurement, the CD's operation involved spinning for sequential liquid movement. Impedance analysis using HIOKI IM3590 was conducted for saline and artificial sweat solutions on 4 identical CDs, ensuring reliable conductivity and measurements over a 1 kHz to 200 kHz frequency range. RESULTS Significant differences in |Z| values were observed between saline and artificial sweat treatments. 27.5 μL of saline differed significantly from 27.5 μL of artificial sweat, 72.5 μL of saline from 72.5 μL of artificial sweat, and 192.5 μL of saline from 192.5 μL of sweat. Significant disparities in |Z| values were observed between dry fibers and Groups 2, 3, and 4 (varying saline amounts). No significant differences emerged between dry fibers and Groups 6, 7, and 8 (distinct artificial sweat amounts). These findings underscore variations in fiber characteristics between equivalent exposures, emphasizing the nuanced response of the microfluidic CD platform to different liquid compositions. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the potential of integrating conductive threads in a microfluidic CD platform for sweat sensing. Challenges in volume control and thread coating degradation must be addressed for transformative biosensing devices in personalized healthcare.
Microfluidic chips have become attractive devices with enormous potential for a wide range of applications. The optimal performances of microfluidic platforms cannot be achieved using a single ...fabrication technique. The method of obtaining the dominant characteristic of a microfluidic chip is to combine the best qualities of different technological processes and materials. In this paper, we propose a novel, cost-effective, hybrid microfluidic chip manufacturing technologies that combine 3D printing process and xurographic technique. The standard Y-mixer was 3D printed using thermoplastic polymers, while the enclosure of the channel was achieved using the PVC lamination foils. The influence of the fabrication parameters, materials and bonding layers on the channel dimensions, performances and durability in the process of chip realization have been analysed and tested. Optimized parameters have been established for 3D fabrication process. The potential application in biomedicine and material science has been demonstrated on the example with nickel-titanium (NiTi) orthodontic archwire.
Around 8000 years ago, throughout the Neolithic world a new type of artefact appeared, small spoons masterly made from cattle bone, usually interpreted as tools, due to their intensive traces of use. ...Contrary to those interpretations, the small dimensions of spoons and presence of intensive traces of use led us to the assumption that they were used for feeding babies. In order to test that assumption we compared 2230 marks on three spoons from the Neolithic site of Grad-Starčevo in Serbia (5800-5450 cal BC) with 3151 primary teeth marks produced experimentally. This study has shown that some of the marks on spoons were made by primary teeth, which indicate their usage in feeding babies. The production of a new type of artefact to feed babies is probably related to the appearance of a new type of weaning food, and the abundance of spoons indicates that new baby gruels became an important innovation in prehistoric baby-care.
The aim of this research is to isolate and identify fungi with high lignin-degrading abilities that are autochthonous to southern Serbian region. Two novel fungal isolates identified as
F13 and
F28 ...were selected to assess their ligninolytic enzyme activities and the efficiency of lignin removal from beech wood sawdust. Obtained results show that both isolates are good sources of industrially valuable enzymes with a potential for application in various biotechnological and industrial processes. Both isolates showed laccase, manganese-dependent peroxidase, and versatile peroxidase activities, while only
F28 had lignin peroxidase activity. This is the first record of the ability of
species to produce lignin peroxidase.
F13 showed higher laccase activity than
F28, while
F28 had higher manganese peroxidase activity. Also,
F13 exhibited much higher laccase activity under submerged cultivation conditions than solid-state cultivation conditions, which is rare for fungi. This is important for industrial processes since the submerged fermentation is a dominant technique in industry. The test of the efficiency of lignin removal showed that both isolates are efficient lignin decomposers. After five weeks of incubation on beech wood sawdust, the total lignin losses were 33.84% with
F13 and 28.8% with
F28.
Textile based sensors have gained tremendous attention in moisture sensing. Moisture monitoring is crucial in wound healing. To promote the healing process, it is essential to maintain an optimal ...level of moisture while limiting unnecessary dressing changes. The objective of this research was to test how well a textile moisture sensor can detect moisture from the body and wound fluid when attached to the dressing. To this end, a 3D interdigitated capacitive structure was embroidered with silver conductive threads on the textile substrate, and a bandage was placed in the centre of the multilayer structure. When compared to traditional planar interdigitated structures, the main innovation of the proposed 3D capacitive structure lies in a larger surface area for interaction with the surrounding environment, leading to enhanced sensitivity to changes in capacitance with the respect to the moisture. The 3D structure of the bandage increased the ratio between electrodes and surface area to impact the surface charge sensitivity towards the adsorbed charges of the wound and body fluid. To observe the performance of the sensor, the bandage was exposed to simulated body fluid and wound fluid. Between dry and wet conditions, the sensor can detect capacitance differences of several orders of magnitude. The threshold volume for the 3D bandage was 30 μL to 50 μL, depending on the type of biofluids. The capacitive bandage integration with the inductor was tested at high frequencies (1–400 MHz). The shift in impedance was observed for the tested fluids. Finally, to compare sensing properties of the proposed structure against the previously reported designs, a bandage sensitivity was checked for three different configurations: (a) the proposed 3D bandage, (b) a 2D bandage, composed of textile substrate with both electrodes embroidered on top of bandage, and (c) classical interdigital structure without bandage composed of textile with embroidered electrodes on the top of it. The sensitivity of the 3D bandage for simulated body fluid and wound fluid is >6.6% and 7.4%, respectively, higher than the other two structures. The integration of the proposed textile-based sensor into a bandage could facilitate wound care and have a significant impact on efficacy for patients.
PDF
